Chery has put its range-topping SUV, the hybrid Tiggo 9 CSH, to the test with two extreme safety evaluations to demonstrate the crash protection of its vehicles. The rigorous tests – a full-front collision between two cars and a high-speed spiral rollover challenge – pushed the limits of the Tiggo 9 CSH’s passive safety features, while demonstrating the engineering behind its Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) system.
Engineered for the ultimate crash protection
In the full-frontal collision, two Tiggo 9 CSH SUVs were driven toward each other at 56 km/h. Unlike conventional fixed-barrier tests, this moving-barrier scenario generated significantly higher kinetic energy, replicating real-world crash dynamics. Upon impact, the front cabins crumpled as designed, absorbing much of the force. Airbags deployed immediately, cushioning and protecting the occupants.
The A- and B-pillars remained intact, and the cabin maintained ample survival space. Key safety systems, including door locks and hazard lights, engaged instantly. The fuel system remained unaffected, with no deformation or leakage.
“With Chery Super Hybrid, we’re not just building performance-driven vehicles. We’re engineering safety into every layer of the design,” said Verene Petersen, National Marketing Manager for Chery South Africa. “These extreme tests are our way of proving that Chery safety isn’t just claimed, it’s demonstrated.”
Built to survive the most extreme rollover crashes
In the high-speed spiral rollover, a Tiggo 8 CSH sped onto an inclined ramp at 68 km/h, executing a 180-degree roll before plunging from a height of just over 1.1 metres. The test recreated the dual challenges of kinetic impact and structural deformation, mirroring the extreme conditions of real-world accidents. The cabin of the Tiggo 9 CSH remained fully intact, with no deformation to the A-, B-, or C-pillars, and the passenger survival space was preserved.
The battery system implemented a cutoff in milliseconds, eliminating the risk of electrolyte leakage, thermal runaway, or fire. All safety systems functioned perfectly: the airbags deployed as designed, seatbelt pre-tensioners activated precisely, and both the hazard lights and emergency response systems were triggered automatically.
Standard safety features and advanced driver assistance systems
The Tiggo 9 CSH has a robust body structure made of 85% high-strength steel, including 21% hot-formed steel with a tensile strength of 1300 MPa. The B-pillars feature advanced TRB technology, providing strength comparable to that of a submarine pressure chamber. The “cage-style energy-absorbing space capsule” structure efficiently directs impact forces through two horizontal and three vertical energy-dissipating pathways during front collisions. In the case of side impacts, six energy-absorbing boxes and a double-layer side structure work together to minimise intrusion and maximise passenger protection.
The Tiggo 9 CSH comes standard across all models with 10 airbags, including far-side airbags, knee airbags, and a 2,060 mm side-curtain airbag, combined with six-second pressure-holding technology. On the active safety front, the Tiggo 9 CSH is equipped with a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including:
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
Furthermore, the battery pack is protected by an IP68 waterproof certification, a 590 MPa high-strength steel underbody shield, and 24/7 real-time health monitoring, ensuring electrical safety even under extreme operating conditions.
Safety is at the core of Chery Super Hybrid technology
The dual-vehicle collision and rollover tests are integral to CSH’s Global Safety Verification Programme. As Chery’s core technology brand, CSH is preparing to launch a series of “Mission Impossible” tests worldwide, which will simulate extreme driving scenarios. These will range from dune rollovers and upstream river surges to ice-covered summit challenges.
To demonstrate the Tiggo 8 CSH’s structural rigidity, Chery showcased the hybrid SUV in an extreme “vehicle stack” test. Seven Tiggo 8 CSH models were stacked vertically in a 12-metre steel structure, with the bottom vehicle enduring a load of nearly 11.5 tons. Yet after 72 hours of pressure testing, its body structure showed no significant deformation.
Pioneering hybrid technology through innovation
Building on nearly thirty years of innovation, Chery has advanced its vision through global R&D, international standards, and worldwide validation. This culminated in the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) brand, which features a fifth-generation dedicated hybrid engine that achieves a 44.5% thermal efficiency.
By integrating its stepless electric hybrid Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), a high-performance hybrid battery, and Guardian Battery Safety Protection System into a unified technology platform, CSH delivers several breakthroughs: high-efficiency performance, upgraded safety, improved reliability, and a sustainable mobility experience.
